JNU students continue hunger strike, protest hostel extension format
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Students' Union (JNUSU) has objected to what it claims is a new undertaking format for PhD students seeking hostel extension, alleging that it requires them to express "gratitude" for being allowed to stay beyond the normal academic period.
According to the union, the alleged undertaking format states that "the university has kindly agreed to allow me to stay in the hostel on humanitarian grounds" and asks students to declare a final date for thesis submission, failing which hostel facilities will be withdrawn.
Terming this "maafinama" (clemency letter), the JNUSU members affiliated with Left organisations said the language was coercive and humiliating, and that the unpredictable nature of research timelines makes such rigid conditions unfair.
It demanded automatic hostel extension for scholars who have received academic extension, citing the essential role accommodation plays in completing research, especially for students from marginalised backgrounds.
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In a statement on Tuesday, the union said its vice-president and general secretary met the Dean of Students on July 7 to convey these concerns.
Meanwhile, JNUSU president Nitish Kumar was rushed to Safdarjung hospital late Monday night after complaining of chest pain.
He rejoined the hunger strike after being discharged. Doctors have warned that students on strike face serious health risks and have advised them to discontinue to hunger strike, according to the JNUSU members.
The protesters are demanding the rollback of CUET for PhD admissions and restoration of the JNU Entrance Exam (JNUEE). Among other demands are the extension of hostel stay for PhD scholars nearing completion, increasing the merit-cum-means (MCM) scholarship to Rs 5,000, and withdrawal of proctorial inquiries.
Currently, four students remain on hunger strike, while several others who joined in solidarity earlier have stepped down due to health concerns. Health records show a steep weight loss and rising blood pressure and ketone levels among strikers.
Asked about the undertaking, dean of students Manuradha Chaudhary told TOI, "We cannot provide a blanket extension as it will set a wrong precedent. The students had approached high court and even the court has given a one-and-a-half-month extension only. The administration is already considering extension case to case basis on humanitarian grounds. We also need to make space for new batch of students."
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